This Chapter is a continuation of Jesus teaching in Chapters 14 and 15. He will end chapter 16 with ‘I speak these things that you may have peace’, speaking of a peaceful heart in Christ. But Christ starts the chapter stating that some of you will die for the faith. We must fully understand the gospel of Christ will offend people and that is okay, because it will bring conviction and salvation. Those that do not receive salvation will seek to kill us.
For many of you this is a new thing. You believed that following Christ will only bring happy times and happy things and we all sing kumbaya. The reason this is foreign is because the church has decided not to speak anything that is offensive, and we will work hard to let the world like us by doing and living the way they do. And when they see we are “normal’, they will believe. The problem is they believe but they do not surrender and repent. Many, who have come into the church through this window of this understanding, travel quickly out the back door of the church when they are called to serve Christ or they experience difficulties.
Verse 13 is to key to standing. The key is having the Holy Spirit totally in control. The Holy Spirit will guide us in truth. The Holy Spirit will glorify Christ and speak of Him, and not of Himself.
The disciples don’t understand. I feel that way at times, and I am sure you do to. They talk among themselves and Christ interrupts and gives them some answers. How funny is that scenario, Christ is right there but instead of asking Him they discuss it among themselves. We again are the same way; we try everything before spending time in God’s Word or praying before God’s throne. Christ explained His death, burial and resurrection. And soon I will work in you and bless you for my name sake. I will answer prayers that your joy may be full.
But be warned you will be scattered because of the Cross. But you will be brought back together because of the resurrection. Don’t worry, I have overcome the world.
I hope some of this makes sense. There will be joy and sorrow in the Christian life. Live for God’s glory and the eternal life to come. Our purpose in life is not me, but Christ. This life is but a vapor, very short term. It is all about God and the eternal life He died to give us.
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